Spot the Early Warning Signs of Ovarian Cancer Knowing what to look for can help you catch ovarian cancer when it’s easier to treat. Scott Purinton, MD, PhD, Geisinger gynecologic oncologist Unlike other types of cancer with more obvious symptoms, ovarian cancer is sneaky. It tends to stay under the radar, showing few symptoms — or sometimes none — until it reaches an advanced stage. Typically, ovarian cancer is discovered in its later stages after the symptoms become more pronounced. What often happens is the cancer starts to affect other parts of the body, like the bladder or rectum, and that’s when a woman will visit her doctor. Because it’s tough to spot it in earlier stages when it’s easier to treat, arm yourself with knowledge so you can recognize the subtle signs of ovarian cancer. So what are the early warning signs of ovarian cancer? These minor changes in your body could be mistaken for another less-serious health issue. But if they don’t go away, don’t ignore them. Bloating Feeling like you’re about to burst out of your jeans every day isn’t always a sign you’ve had too much pasta. Bloating could be due to an issue with your diet, but if you make some changes and the bloating persists, talk to your doctor. If your bloating sticks around for more than a few weeks, it’s time to schedule an exam. Urgent bathroom breaks If you find yourself running to the bathroom more often than usual, it might be more than just your morning coffee at play. An increased need to urinate or feeling a sudden, desperate need to go could indicate a tumor pushing on your bladder. Eating less, feeling full Have you been feeling full faster than usual or having persistent indigestion or nausea? These could be subtle hints from your body that something’s going on. What’s common among all of these symptoms is their duration. If you notice that any of these symptoms last longer than a few weeks, you should see your doctor. Aches and pains Persistent lower abdominal and pelvic pain, especially if it’s outside your normal menstrual cycle, could be a red flag. And if you’re also having fatigue, back pain or discomfort during sex, these are other signs to watch for. Knowing these early signs of ovarian cancer can make a huge difference. Early detection can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment. And while these symptoms can be related to many different conditions, when they occur together with other signs, make sure you take them more seriously. If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for more than a few weeks, or any other changes in your body that last more than a few days, make that doctor’s appointment. Any physician will agree: It’s smart to play it safe and get checked out. For more health and wellness topics, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger hosts March for Babies on Sept. 22 Walk supports March of Dimes helping to prevent preterm births and defects Get ready to take steps, whether big or small, to join the fight for the health of local parents and babies. Geisinger is hosting the March of Dimes’ March for Babies at noon on Sunday, Sept. 22 at the Henry Hood Center, which is on Center Street next to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The event will include a superhero sprint for children at 11:45 a.m. Registration opens at 11 a.m. and opening remarks will be made before the walk. Money raised during the March for Babies helps to fund the NICU Family Support programs in Geisinger’s Danville and Wilkes-Barre hospitals. NICU Family Support provides educational and supportive activities to help local families through the NICU journey and prepares them to take their baby home. Geisinger has partnered with the March of Dimes since 2006. The organization plays critical roles in raising awareness and funds to help prevent preterm birth, birth defects, and deaths. Register or donate at marchforbabies.org/event/geisinger and join the movement on Sept. 22.
Geisinger Hosts Junior Volunteers Through their service and commitment to improving the lives of our patients, volunteers play a vital part in helping to achieve Geisinger’s mission of making better health easier. Geisinger’s Junior Volunteer Program hosted 100 youth participants age 15 to 18 this summer. They collectively served more than 5,600 hours supporting Geisinger patients, families, and staff. The teens learned personal responsibility and professionalism and explored future career options through hands-on service opportunities and educational workshops. Opportunities included: CPR and trauma response training Resume writing and understanding college admissions Service programs including Caring Cart and the Canine Therapy Program Leadership roundtable session with regional and system leaders Career education sessions in pharmacy, physical therapy, radiology, surgery, maternal fetal medicine, and emergency medicine, led by Geisinger professionals “The program builds a better future for our communities and our organization by helping to educate and prepare local youth to serve in healthcare roles,” said Tina McDowell, volunteer services director. It’s held annually from mid-June to mid-August at four Geisinger hospital campuses: Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, Geisinger Lewistown Hospital in Lewistown, Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. Know a teen who might be interested in this program? Those interested can start the online application process in February. They’ll need to provide references and participate in group interviews. To be accepted, students must also commit to serving 40 volunteer hours and participating in 15 hours of career exploration education during seven of the eight weeks of the program. The admission process is competitive, and space in the program is limited. Teens should plan ahead to apply for the summer 2025 session. Learn more about the program application requirements at geisinger.org/about- geisinger/volunteer.
Geisinger Hosts Narcan distribution events Geisinger’s pharmacy, emergency medicine, addiction medicine, and Free2BMom teams are collaborating to host two Narcan® (naloxone) distribution events at the end of August in northeastern Pennsylvania. The first event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the Schimelfenig Pavilion in Nay Aug Park, located at 500 Arthur Ave. in Scranton. The second event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, in the parking lot of the Thomas C. Thomas building, located at 90 E. Union St. in Wilkes-Barre. At both events, attendees can receive two free boxes of Narcan while supplies last, and healthcare professionals will demonstrate how to properly administer the lifesaving medication. Fentanyl and xylazine testing strips will also be available for those who are interested. Community health partners at the event can provide information and resources for anyone who is in recovery or seeking recovery.
Geisinger Discusses Vasectomy Recovery Think you’ll have a long recovery? Think again.By: Geisinger, Brant Fulmer, MD, Urology A vasectomy is a big decision. There’s a lot to consider — including recovery. Knowing what to expect in the healing process can make things go a little smoother. Getting things rolling Before you have a vasectomy, you’ll start by meeting with your healthcare provider. They’ll ask a few questions to help you decide if the procedure is right for you. Some things they may discuss with you: Your plans for children in the future How your partner (if you have one) feels about your decision Other birth control methods What to expect from the procedure That you understand a vasectomy is permanent What happens during a vasectomy? You’ll have the vasectomy done at a doctor’s office or outpatient surgical center. The whole process usually takes about a half hour. During the procedure, your provider will: Numb the area with a local anesthetic Make a small incision or puncture in the upper part of the scrotum Withdraw part of the tube that carries semen, called the vas deferens Cut and seal the vas deferens using heat, surgical clips or another method Close the incision with stitches or surgical glue Then you’ll go home to start recuperating. The vasectomy recovery process Once you get home, you’ll need to rest for at least 24 hours. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay in bed. Just take it easy and stay as comfortable as possible until you get back to normal. So how long does that take?After a vasectomy, most men resume their regular activities within 48 hours.But you’ll want to avoid heavy lifting, contact sports and sex for a week or so. Avoid lifting more than 50 pounds for about two weeks after the procedure. This helps reduce the risk of prolonged swelling and pain.When you’re ready to return to your normal schedule, do it gradually to prevent injuries.To make your recovery go as smoothly as possible: Ice the area To help with swelling, Dr. Fulmer recommends using ice packs on your scrotum intermittently for the first 24 to 48 hours. Wrap your ice pack in a towel and apply for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Don’t have an ice pack? A bag of frozen vegetables makes a good substitute. Stop the soreness You may feel some discomfort for the first few days after your procedure. Take some ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage any pain. Another way to keep discomfort to a minimum: Avoid strenuous activities like going to the gym for a few days. Consider your clothing Your provider may suggest wearing compression shorts, an athletic supporter or snug-fitting underwear for a few days while you heal. A pair of specialty post-vasectomy underwear can offer proper support — and some even offer the bonus of built-in ice packs.Besides the underwear, you’ll want to break out your comfy clothes. Think sweatpants, basketball shorts or pajamas.Other things that help with healing include elevating your feet and keeping the area clean and dry. What happens after recovery? You’ll have a follow-up appointment with your provider approximately three months after your procedure. During this visit, your provider will have you give a semen sample, which they’ll check for sperm. By checking for sperm, they’ll know whether the procedure worked.If sperm are still present after your follow-up, your provider will help you determine next steps.Be sure to use a backup method of birth control until this appointment. That way you won’t have to worry about an unintended pregnancy. Contemplating a vasectomy? Before scheduling a vasectomy, discuss your lifestyle and plans. Are you and your partner sure that having children (or more children) isn’t in your future? Make sure your decision is firm before you move forward. A vasectomy should be considered permanent sterilization and not a temporary fix. If this is something you’re interested in, talk to your primary care doctor or schedule an appointment with a urologist. They’ll talk through all the details with you and start the process. For the latest health and wellness tips and advice, visit geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger Discusses What Causes Yeast Infections Geisinger brings answers to your burning questions about yeast infection causes, symptoms and how to find fast relief. By Lauren Williams, Geisinger Women’s health physician assistant If you’re a woman, chances are high you’ve had the dreaded vaginal yeast infection: that itchy, uncomfortable feeling “down there,” with thick, sometimes clumpy discharge left behind in your underwear. If you’re one of the lucky ones who hasn’t, it’s likely you will someday. Vaginal yeast infections are common throughout a woman’s lifetime. A yeast infection, medically known as candidiasis, is a fungal infection that can impact the vagina and other parts of the body, such as the mouth and throat. While yeast is naturally present in the body, certain factors can disrupt the balance and trigger an overgrowth of the yeast called candida. This proliferation can overtake healthy cells and lead to a yeast infection. Factors such as poor hygiene, antibiotics and even pregnancy can put a woman at higher risk for developing a yeast infection. Fortunately, there are medications that are effective in treating vaginal yeast infections — sometimes even without a prescription. If you develop more than three yeast infections a year, however, talk to your doctor about a longer treatment plan. The telltale sign of a vaginal yeast infection is itching, irritation or a burning sensation in the vaginal area, usually accompanied by thick, odorless, white discharge that can have the consistency of cottage cheese. Other common vaginal yeast infection symptoms include: Redness and swelling of the vulva (tissue surrounding the vagina) Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse Frequent urination and burning sensation when you pee Vaginal rash Small cuts or cracks in the skin of the vulva Many factors can cause the population of healthy bacteria in the vagina to diminish, enabling yeast to quickly multiply and cause a yeast infection. Understanding the causes of vaginal yeast infections can help in prevention and effective management. If you have a weakened immune system due to cancer treatments or certain conditions like HIV/AIDS, your body will have a harder time controlling the growth of yeast. This can lead to an overpopulation of yeast and cause an infection. Chronic stress can have a negative impact on your immune system, making it more difficult for your body to control the levels of yeast in the vagina. Stress also causes your body to release the hormone cortisol, which raises your blood sugar level. Yeast feeds on sugar, which can lead to an overgrowth of the fungus. Yeast infections are common in pregnancy. Pregnancy causes a variety of systemic changes throughout the body, increasing the incidence of yeast infections. Although more common in pregnancy, vaginal yeast infections are not known to be associated with negative pregnancy outcomes. High blood sugar can cause the body to excrete extra sugar through sweat, urine and mucus. This increase in sugar in the mucous membranes of your vagina feeds the yeast, creating an ideal place for yeast to grow and thrive. Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria, but they can also kill the good bacteria in the body that normally prevents an overgrowth of yeast. This imbalance can lead to an infection. Tight underwear or clothing that doesn’t allow air flow can cause irritation and sweating. Yeast thrives in warm, moist conditions. Spending too much time in a wet swimsuit or sweaty gym clothes also can have the same effect. Using harsh soaps or douching can cause irritation and disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria in your vagina, leading to an overgrowth of yeast. Yeast infections can be quite uncomfortable, but treatment is available for fast relief. Antifungal medications are the most common treatment. They work by killing the fungi that cause the infection. For mild to moderate yeast infections, or for treating yeast infections during pregnancy, over-the-counter antifungal creams (i.e., Monistat®), ointments or vaginal suppositories can be used. Prescription-strength antifungal creams, ointments or suppositories are often recommended for more severe or recurring infections. Yeast infections should clear up in about 5 to 7 days with treatment. However, severe cases may take longer. Just be sure to complete the full course of medication to make sure the infection is fully cleared and doesn’t return. It’s a good idea to see your doctor if it’s the first time you’ve had symptoms of a yeast infection, symptoms continue after treatment or if you’ve had three or more in one year. If you have similar symptoms, but are unsure of the cause, talk to your doctor for further testing. Your provider may want to rule out other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or sexually transmitted infections. While in some cases yeast infections can’t be prevented, following a few self-care measures and maintaining optimal vaginal health can help decrease your risk. Keep the vaginal area clean and dry. Wash the area with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing and change out of wet bathing suits or sweaty workout clothes as soon as possible. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton underwear. This allows for better air circulation and helps to keep the area dry. Synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester can trap moisture and heat, promoting the growth of yeast. Avoid using scented pads, tampons, soaps and detergents. They may contain irritants that can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Wipe from front to back when using the bathroom. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria and yeast from the anus to the vagina. Try a probiotic. There is some evidence taking probiotics may help prevent yeast infections. If you do wind up getting a yeast infection — and it’s likely you will at some point — the good news is most cases are mild and treatment is very effective. For more health and wellness topics, visit Geisinger.org/balance.
Geisinger Marworth to Host Fun Run Geisinger Marworth Treatment Center will host a Recovery Fun Run at 10 a.m. Sept. 8 on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Runners or walkers can register for a 5k run or a 1-mile walk to benefit the Geisinger Marworth Therapeutic Activities Fund. The fund supports healthy, sober activities for patients after discharge, to help them stay in recovery. Medals will be awarded to male and female winners in each age group and participants will be eligible for prizes in a raffle drawing. Preregistration is $25 before Sept. 5 and will guarantee a race t-shirt. Day-of registration is $30 and will include a race t-shirt while supplies last. Check-in time is from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. and runners will meet at the Olive Street trailhead at the Scranton Half Marathon pavilion. Registeration is open here. For more information on Geisinger Marworth and its Therapeutic Recreation Program visit marworth.org.
Three Geisinger Hospitals Recognized as ‘High-Performing’ Three Geisinger hospitals have been recognized for high performance in the 2024-2025 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings, including two named as a 2024-2025 Best Hospital. Geisinger Medical Center and Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center were named among the Best Hospitals in Pennsylvania, with Geisinger Wyoming Valley recognized as No. 1 in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area. U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions; only 11% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking. The two hospitals and Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton were also named as high-performing hospitals for specific conditions and procedures. “Geisinger is dedicated to providing the highest-quality care for our patients, close to home,” said J. Edward Hartle, M.D., executive vice president and system chief medical officer. “This recognition emphasizes the quality and breadth of care available to our patients in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, when and where they need it.” The Geisinger hospitals recognized received high-performance rankings for a variety of specific procedures and conditions, including: Geisinger Medical Center: Orthopaedics; pulmonology and lung surgery; aortic valve surgery; heart bypass surgery; heart failure; colon cancer surgery; COPD; heart attack; kidney failure; leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma; lung cancer surgery; pneumonia; and stroke. Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center: Pulmonology and lung surgery; urology; heart failure; colon cancer surgery; COPD; heart attack; hip replacement; knee replacement; lung cancer surgery; pneumonia; and stroke. Geisinger Community Medical Center: Heart failure; heart attack; knee replacement; pneumonia; and stroke. The annual U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” rankings are based on patient outcomes, as well as overall patient experience, hospital staffing and other factors. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.
Geisinger Cystic Fibrosis Patient Striving to Stay Healthy From Geisinger media Just three decades ago, cystic fibrosis (CF) was considered a terminal disease. Patients were only predicted to survive into their 30s. In recent years the life expectancy of patients born now with CF has jumped into the 70s. The inherited disease affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices causing the fluids to become thick and sticky. CF causes damage to a person’s lungs, digestive tract and other organs. The disease requires an incredible amount of self-care with patients undergoing daily airway clearance, breathing treatments, special diet and supplement considerations and numerous medications. Through medical advances, Geisinger offers modulator therapies, like the medication Trifakta, that helps stabilize clinical courses, improve lung function and nutritional status and allow for a better quality of life. “For some of our oldest patients, it was believed that they would not live to adulthood, but for many of our patients, we no longer believe that to be true and expect them to live a normal lifespan,” Brosius said. “We have several patients in their 60s and even 70s. We are now able to talk to our patients about going to college, careers, retirement or starting a family.” Kaitlyn Strohl of Friendsville, Pa., never expected to have the ability to have a family. “Honestly, I always wanted to be a mom, but I tried not getting my hopes up because I didn’t know if I’d be well enough. Nor did I think I’d find a man that would love me despite my condition,” the 23-year-old said. After graduating from Bloomsburg University in 2022, Kaitlyn was married to her husband, Allen Michael, in 2023 and shortly after had a beautiful, healthy baby girl, Slyvie, who is now 9 months old. Slyvie does not have CF but is a carrier of the gene. Although pregnancy can be difficult, more CF patients have had babies in recent years, with more than 600 pregnancies each of the last three years nationwide, according to Brosius. “We attribute this to patients remaining healthier and living longer, in large part due to the modulator therapies available,” she said. Kaitlyn had a relatively easy pregnancy with good lung function and overall health, but after delivery, she felt the effects on her body. She was tired, rundown and had difficulty finding time for self-care while caring for her baby. She became sick and was admitted to Geisinger Medical Center a couple of times last year. “One of the biggest problems we encounter is after delivery; mothers focus their baby and tend to neglect their own care,” Brosius said. “Many struggle to find a balance between providing for their baby while also having the time to care for themselves. Our goal is to continue supporting Kaitlyn through her journey of motherhood so she can be there for Sylvie and watch her grow up.” Kaitlyn is doing her best to find the balance, caring for her baby as a stay-at-home mom. “I’ve learned that having a baby is one of the best reasons to take care of myself. I’ve learned that I need to do my best, so I can be here for her as she grows up,” Kaitlyn said. “I look forward to watching my daughter grow into a kind, respectful, and sassy individual. Growing old with my husband. All the laughs we will share. I am taking it day by day, cherishing every moment I get to spend with my family.” Kaitlyn (Hentschel) Strohl was a 2015 Geisinger Children’s Miracle Network Miracle Kid.
Geisinger Patients Receive Blankets from Local Subaru Dealerships Geisinger cancer patients recently received the gift of warmth and comfort from area Subaru dealerships. In partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Subaru of Wyoming Valley and Minooka Subaru delivered blankets and messages of hope to the Frank M. and Dorothea Henry Cancer Centers at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and Geisinger Community Medical Center, respectively. Part of the Subaru Loves to Care campaign, the donations took place Friday, June 21, when representatives from LLS and the Subaru dealerships met Henry Cancer Center staff members and Geisinger leaders at both medical centers. “We’re grateful to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Subaru of Wyoming Valley and Minooka Subaru for these heart-felt donations,” said Renee Blakiewicz, R.N., vice president and chief nursing officer for Geisinger’s northeast region. “Patients in cancer care can have difficult days, and gestures of kindness like this can make all the difference when someone needs it most.” Cutlines: 2024 Subaru blanket delivery GWV: Representatives from Subaru of Wyoming Valley and the Leukemia & Lymphoma society met Geisinger leaders and Henry Cancer Center staff members June 21 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center to deliver blankets and messages of hope to cancer patients. 2024 Subaru blanket delivery GCMC: Representatives from Minooka Subaru and the Leukemia & Lymphoma society met Geisinger and Henry Cancer Center leaders June 21 at Geisinger Community Medical Center to deliver blankets and messages of hope to cancer patients.
